Minister for Social Welfare M. K. Muneer said here on Friday that the Social Welfare Department would launch a series of programmes in the coming weeks to mark the first anniversary of the UDF government.

These will include formal inauguration of the ‘Nirbhaya’ scheme for protection of women victims of violence and other atrocities and distribution of tri-wheelers to disabled and cancer detection programme for women in Thiruvananthapuram

The Minister announced that the government would soon bring new policies on older persons and nutrition. The proposed Child Rights Commission would be formed soon. Anganwadies would gradually be upgraded as pre-school training centres and new buildings would be constructed for them.

Mr. Muneer said that legislation would be brought for protection of mentally challenged. Arrangements would be made in all districts for care of those cured of mental illness. Guidelines would be drawn up on use of funds earmarked for older persons, disabled and children. Various concessions would be granted to orphanages, and care of inmates would be improved.

He said that a ‘hunger-free city’ programme would be implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollan cities this year. A scheme would also be launched for care of children orphaned by death of parents in accidents. Rs. 1000 a month would be provided as assistance to unwed mothers among tribals.

He said that the Department planned to set up old age homes at Arattupuzha, Wayanad and Idukki. ‘She toilets’ would be set up in Thiruvananthapuram city shortly. The State Women’s Development Corporation would advance Rs. 45 crores to women entrepreneurs.

He said that the Department had carried out a number of projects during the past year including starting of work on Gender Park in Kozhikode. Similar parks would be started at Kakkanad in Kochi and Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram. The Department had reported 1188 vacancies to the PSC by holding an adalath to determine the vacancies.